Preparing for Lent: Fasting

For the past two weeks, my columns have focused on preparing for Lent. Thus far, I have written about almsgiving and prayer. Today, as we approach the beginning of Lent, I consider fasting.

Those of us who belong to an older generation remember the rigors of the former Lenten fast. At that time adults were required to fast every day of Lent. Today adults between the ages of 18−59 are only required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. But this does not mean that fasting no longer plays a role in our life. Although we are no longer required to fast every day of Lent, we are encouraged to fast voluntarily. Moreover, in addition to fasting from food, there are other ways in which we can fast today.

For example, we can “fast from the internet.” What would our lives be like if we decided to limit the use of our cell phones, ipads, text messaging devices, etc.? Or, we can “fast from TV.” Imagine a night or a week without watching television. Imagine a night or a week of reading rather than viewing. Or, we can also “fast from shopping.” Instead of “recreational shopping” we might donate our time to volunteer work. The point is that there are many ways to fast today. If we fast in these or other ways, we will be better prepared to celebrate Easter when it comes.
           
The point of fasting is to battle our tendency to focus on ourselves so that we can focus on God. Fasting, like prayer, puts us in touch with ourselves and with God. Fasting teaches us that we are not dependent on food, the internet, the media, or shopping. Fasting focuses our attention on what is important. It enables us to give alms and pray more fervently.

Fasting plays an important role in our religious life as a way of expressing sorrow, penitence, or preparing for prayer or some other important task.  At the beginning of his ministry, for example, Jesus fasted for forty days before inaugurating his ministry (Matt 4:2). The fact that Jesus fasted before beginning his ministry shows the importance of fasting for the religious life. If fasting becomes an occasion for boasting, as it did for the Pharisee who reminded God that he fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12), it loses its value. But if it is done in a way that only God can see, it is an expression of devotion and love for God.

This Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of our Lenten observance. If this observance is to lead us to a fruitful celebration of Easter, we must practice almsgiving, prayer, and fasting during this Lenten season. While we may practice these disciplines in different ways, all of us should practice them in some way.
In today’s bulletin you will find a schedule of events that will take place during Lent and Holy Week at St. Mary’s. Review this schedule and determine how you can best celebrate Lent this year.
Father Matera

 
Fasting and Abstinence during Lent: All Catholics 14 years old or older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent. All Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday. Fasting means eating only one full meal on these days. The food taken at the other two meals should not equal the one full meal.